Dubai tours are regularly enjoyed by people from all walks of life and not only the well-off, according to a travel guide writer.

Lara Dunston, author of the DK Eyewitness guide to Dubai, admitted that the destination has built up a reputation as a "playground for the rich", but pointed out that this is largely due to the media playing on the fact that "glamour sells".

People who visit the city will discover that there is much more to be seen and experienced than mere glitz and glamour, according to Ms Dunston.

"It also has a rich heritage and culture rooted in Bedouin traditions of hospitality and Islam, like the country it’s a part of – the United Arab Emirates, remember Dubai is just a city-state – and its Arabian peninsula neighbours," she said.

"People from all over the world, all walks of life, from Russian package tourists to Australian backpackers to English families [visit] Dubai."

Dubai tours will become even easier from September this year when the city’s Metro transport system begins operating.

Another attraction opening this year is the Dubai Fountain, which will be the centrepiece to the 12-hectare Burj Dubai lake area.